Several projects are underway in Towson to revitalize downtown and enliven the commercial core of the area. The initiative is pushed by Councilman David Marks, who is a strong proponent of the movement.
The first phase of the plan involves restructuring and improving. Several buildings and marking points in the area will receive makeovers. The Towson City Center is an example of this. Formerly known as the old investment building, the City Center once was known as the ‘sick’ building. The building is now gutted and currently under construction.
Towson University has joined the revitalization, more so with creation than improvements. The West Village Commons and the College of Liberal Arts are the newest additions on campus. Both buildings have been in the works for over several years. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Terry Cooney said the CLA has been in discussion for well over five years.
County government officials are also constantly discussing new initiatives for improvements, some which have caused controversy. Two of the latest ones caused misunderstanding between Marks and President of the Greater Towson Council of Community Associations, David Kosak. The two issues were Maryland’s redistricting and a legislation that would allow signs on the top of the City Center.
Stories
Towson gives Towson Circle, City Center facelifts
The first phase of Towson’s revitalization begins with reviving the old before creating the new. Over the past two years, Towson has began projects to improve old buildings and create new businesses to bring more patrons to the area. County Councilman David Marks said these projects will be the cornerstones of Towson for years to come. Read More>>
Towson University adds to Towson Revitalization
Towson University has its own identity, but indirectly it has drawn both patrons and attention to the county. By doing so they are directly an intricate part of the county’s plan. Not only this, the University has led the county by taking the initiative in opening several new landmark buildings on campus. Read More>>
Government official and GTCCA Community leader clash on revitalization proposals
In the midst of Towson county improvement efforts, voices in the community butted heads with county officials on several proposals to push Towson’s revitalization. The first began with a sign bill that would allow large digital signs on top of building’s for advertisements. President of the GTCCA David Kosak didn’t mind the bill, but disliked the process taken for the bill’s first passing. Read More>>
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Down in the heart of the county, there are also several smaller projects occurring that don’t receive as much attention as the larger scaled ones. An example of this is the creation of Bright View, a senior home development. Adding businesses to the Towson area are also a high priority. Anytime Fitness is one of the newest businesses to join the area.
There are five key points on the rise of Towson University’s own revitalization. The West Village Commons and the College of Liberal Arts have been headliners since their openings in the fall. The University has also made a gateway, becoming the first true entrance it has ever had. Even with all these improvements, Interim President Marcia Welsh said there are still more on the way.
There are also several key points in the nearby Towson community. The Towson City Center and Towson Commons are two focuses of government official improvement efforts. The Commons is currently vacant and officials are looking for suitors to lease the building. The original Towson Circle has been worked on several times to improve it, but Towson Circle III, a new development, is on the way to replace what the Commons formerly brought.
